Chelsea striker Diego Costa could move on loan to Saudi Arabia until January, according to the Daily Mail.
With transfer windows across Europe having now closed, the Spaniard is almost certain to stay with the Blues for the time being, but Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal have reportedly shown some interest in taking the 28 year old.
Costa is desperately short of match fitness after staying in Brazil since being told by Chelsea boss Antonio Conte in June that he no longer has a future at Stamford Bridge.
Marca reported on Wednesday that Costa had a flight booked to travel to London from Sao Paulo on Tuesday but the forward never made it onto the plane.
The Spanish newspaper are speculating this is because his move to Atletico Madrid is getting closer. Costa has been instructed to the UK by Chelsea to train with the club’s reserves but the striker is said to be hopeful of avoiding a return to London, and joining up with Atletico instead.
Agent Jorge Mendes is said to be continuing to hold talks in Spain to thrash out a move, but no matter when an agreement is reached, the switch can only take place in January when Atletico’s transfer ban is lifted. A loan to Saudi Arabia could suit all parties so Costa can regain his fitness before a permanent transfer.
